Everton v Southampton. 29th Dec @ 13.30.

[Tommy Grav]

Im liking the team line up, looking forward to seeing Alcaraz. A lad I know who plays for Wigan thinks he is the dog's. Team line up shows Martinez is confident in his players, also rewarding players for their good work (Oviedo). I actually like Naismith too, can be dangerous on attack, wins a lot of headers and is a grafter, not the best but gives 100%. 3-1 Blues.

 

[Sensei]

can anybody pm me what i may be looking for

 

[Bungle]

First time I've self harmed before a game for a while

 

[TomDixie]

If it does, it shouldn't be aimed at our brilliant young manager.

To be honest, you're right. I take back what I said before, it's on the players.

If this all goes horribly wrong, I'll stick to blaming Howard and Osman

 

[neo2020]

Sometimes this board makes me ashamed to support our great club...

 

[Zorse]

6 - Southampton's Paulo Gazzaniga has made only six saves in the Premier League this season but has conceded 10 goals (Boruc: 32 saves, eight goals).

 

[TheAlmightyFloater]

Naismith always works his socks off and won't be as selfish as Mirallas, so Lukaku might get better service this week. Especially now we have Baines and Oviedo. Osman has a lot to prove today and I think he knows it, so we should see plenty from him. I've barely seen Alcaraz play, so I'll trust Martinez and reserve judgement until the 90 is up.
Can't predict how the game will go, but we'll put up a fight!

 

[chicoazul]

For the record I back Southampton at 7/2 earlier this week but only put a miserly tenner on it.

If it happens I am willing to place my bet on GOT - anyone disbelieve me?

 

[davek]

To be honest, you're right. I take back what I said before, it's on the players.

If this all goes horribly wrong, I'll stick to blaming Howard and Osman

...it's only fair!

 

[Hitchy]

Backing Naismith for FGS here

 

[davek]

Naismith always works his socks off and won't be as selfish as Mirallas, so Lukaku might get better service this week. Especially now we have Baines and Oviedo. Osman has a lot to prove today and I think he knows it, so we should see plenty from him. I've barely seen Alcaraz play, so I'll trust Martinez and reserve judgement until the 90 is up.
Can't predict how the game will go, but we'll put up a fight!

...wont be as talented either.

 

[chicoazul]

4 - the last four games that Alcaraz has started in the same team as James McCarthy that same team (Wigan) conceded four goals.

 

[Zorse]

451 - Romelu Lukaku has gone five successive Premier League appearances and 451 minutes without scoring. Drought.

 

[Tubey]

If Naismith is on the right to cover for Barry missing and Oviedo is on the left to help Baines with Lallana who are going to do our attacking? Barkley and Lukaku can´t do it by themselves.

Baines and Coleman, Barkley the fulcrum in attacking midfield, Osman will be the transitional player whilst McCarthy mops up.

Like this:

It's an attacking, modern formation. I think people are just concerned because of two reasons - the amount of changes, and the unfamiliar being a bit jarring with players like Alcaraz coming in and Oviedo playing left wing. But there's definitely an overreaction here.

ARROWS FFS

 

[dannyboy]

Bad as our team is on paper I think we'll still have enough to put these on the back foot and get all three points.

Great to have Baines back and if we're being honest, Mirallas and Pienaar have probably been our worst performers this season.